Ear diseases can affect different parts of the hearing organ. The causative agents are such infectious diseases with possible serious consequences, as well as various injuries, excessive sound load or severe hypothermia.
The patient may feel pain on one or both sides of the ear, congestion, severe dizziness, noise, and hearing may be reduced.
The human hearing organ is damaged due to many factors. The main ones are:
- A third-party transferred disease can cause suppuration in a certain area - a boil;
- Inflammatory process in the auditory opening;
- Injury to the ear canal, for example, during sports;
- draft (children are especially sensitive);
- development of a fungal disease.
The ear is a system consisting of the auricle, inner ear, nerves that transmit signals - sounds to the brain, and the middle ear.
External ear diseases include:
- Fungal otitis;
- Otitis externa of an acute nature of manifestation;
- Otitis as a result of infection, including malignant;
- Perichondritis;
- Furuncle;
- Eczema of the ear canal or the entire ear.
Often in medical practice, non-purulent ear diseases are also diagnosed, which include:
- Otosclerosis;
- Senile hearing loss;
- cochleopathy;
- Tympanosclerosis;
- Meniere's disease;
- Sudden deafness.
Human ear diseases are diagnosed and treated by an otolaryngologist. This is a specialist in diseases of the ear, as well as the throat and nose, and is also called a lor.
Only when you go to the hospital can you say for sure that the symptoms that have appeared belong to a certain group of diseases of the ear - the organ responsible for hearing.
It is impossible to engage in self-diagnosis, and even more so treatment, in order to avoid dangerous manifestations and complications from improperly performed therapy.
Ear diseases in children
Ear diseases in children, in most cases, are inflammatory in nature, which in turn manifests itself in an acute or chronic form. The common name for inflammation is otitis media.
Most often, children with external manifestations of otitis media turn to a specialist. Disease occurs due to the penetration of infection through the skin of the ear canal through minor trauma, for example, with damage from a comb or ear hygiene.
The skin acquires a red tint, the passage is significantly narrowed to a small gap due to the appearance of edema. Quite often, a translucent liquid is released.
There are frequent cases of diseases of the outer ear from streptococcus A. This disorder is called erysipelas. Infection with the infection passes through the smallest damage to the skin, as well as microcracks.
At first, the child may feel chills, his natural craving for food disappears and the temperature rises. Visual signs: redness of the auricle, the appearance of blisters and swelling.
In addition, children's ear disease includes inflammation of the follicle in the ear canal or furuncle. Sources of occurrence - a decrease in the protective barrier in the body, plus, microtrauma. It is rather difficult for a non-professional to determine a boil, since it is not visible from the outside.
You can focus on indirect symptoms - pain when chewing or touching. In addition, the lymph nodes located near the ears are significantly enlarged.
The abscess is opened a few days after the onset, due to which the pain gradually disappears. In order not to wait for the occurrence of complications and not to endure pain, you need to contact a professional for a quick and effective treatment.
Diseases of the inner ear
Inner ear infections are most often caused by a viral infection. These problems are called either labyrinthitis or otitis media. The causative agents of the disease include viral infections, for example, cases of influenza or measles are most often recorded.
In addition, patients with obvious painful manifestations are diagnosed with:
The symptoms of inner ear disease can vary greatly from person to person. Often there is pain in the head, excruciating nausea, ringing in the ears, severe dizziness, which is one of the most common primary signs of abnormalities.
Often patients complain of changes in auditory perception, which indicates the penetration of an infection. Hearing may fluctuate or be severely distorted, crackling, hissing or clicking is heard. Excessive sensitivity to loud sounds and disorientation in space clearly indicate the problems of the inner ear.
A symptom of deviations may be visual impairment - a dangerous sign, focusing on which patients turn to the wrong specialist. Vision may become blurred, objects of observation may double, bright light causes sharp pain.
All this leads to frequent dizziness due to the fact that the pressure on the nerves of the eye increases due to the occurrence of inflammation.
One of the reasons for visiting an otolaryngologist may be the appearance of pressure on the ears and pain. Disturbs and pain in the head, joints and muscles, as well as the neck. Often there is a tingling sensation in the lower extremities, palms.
Some patients have serious psychological problems, mood swings, aggressive states, or unexplained panic. The sick person may lose vitality, craving for everyday life. His body gets tired of the slightest action, and depression and frustration will accompany him throughout the day.
Acute or chronic forms of diseases of the inner ear can manifest themselves in cold temperature intolerance, motion sickness and forgetfulness of important things. Speech defects and confusion of consciousness are not excluded. Signs are varied, which makes it difficult to make a correct diagnosis.
Symptoms and treatment of ear diseases in adults
Common symptoms of ear diseases in humans are manifested in the following signs:
- Congestion and noise.
- Frequent pain in the ear dizziness.
- Hearing loss or partial hearing loss.
- Redness of the skin of the passage and the appearance of edema.
- Increased body temperature and unpleasant itching in the ear canal.
- The appearance of nausea, as well as vomiting.
All of these indicate a problem. Symptoms of ear disease in humans of an inflammatory nature of manifestation in the outer ear are severe pain upon contact with the infected area, decreased hearing ability, discharge of an unpleasant odor from the ear and fever.
If the pathogen is a fungus, then there may not be obvious signs of the presence of a disease in the body. The only evidence is the rapid growth of a loose structure in the ear canal.
Treatment of ear diseases should be immediate upon detection of initial symptoms. Primarily, a specialist relieves pain by using drugs with an anesthetic effect.
Nasal drops with a vasoconstrictive effect help. After the therapy, the patient's well-being may significantly worsen, and then the doctor will be able to prescribe a special procedure, including piercing the membrane in order to release pus and reduce pressure. It is better not to refuse this method - the procedure will not affect the hearing, and the hole will quickly tighten.
Mandatory medicines that are prescribed in most cases are antibiotics for ear disease. Some of them are taken orally. This:
- Ampicillin;
- Azithromycin;
- Nystatin.
- Ointment oxycort containing hydroortisone + oxytetracycline;
- Ofloxacin;
- Drops on alcohol - gramicidin;
- Neomycin.
A common way to deal with ear inflammation is to pipette drugs into the ear canal. The drug should be heated to a degree corresponding to the temperature of the human body.
Diseases of the middle ear
The most commonly diagnosed diseases of the middle ear include:
- Otitis with the release of pus of an acute nature;
- Tuberculosis;
- Mastoiditis in acute manifestation;
- Syphilis;
- Flu-like inflammation.
Tuberculosis and syphilis of the middle ear, as well as influenza inflammation, are specific complications that are not so common in medical practice. In order to cure the patient and alleviate pain manifestations, warm compresses are applied, laser therapy is carried out using ultra-high frequency rays. Quite rarely, the patient requires the intervention of a professional surgeon.
The main causes of deviations are fungi, staphylococcus, streptococcus. Inflammation of the chronic type can be caused by seborrhea or psoriasis. Cases of diseases due to improper hygiene, contact with bacteria-infected dirty water, dust, secretions coming out of the membrane are common.
The frequent use of noise suppressing agents can have a negative effect. In exceptional cases, the disease may be the result of an injury, as well as meningitis, influenza, or tuberculosis.
Prevention of diseases of the middle ear should include the implementation of proper hygiene, timely treatment of diseases of the nose or pharynx (all organs located near the ears). Experts recommend strengthening the body's protective barrier through proper nutrition with the inclusion of a large amount of fruits and vegetables, as well as reasonable hardening.
The human auditory system is a complex apparatus responsible for two functions - capturing sounds and maintaining balance. The organ of the ear is unique in its complexity of structure. It consists of three parts - the outer, middle and inner ear. In turn, each of these departments has its own structure.
All human organs are susceptible to various diseases, ears are no exception. The disease can occur in people of all ages, more than once in any of the above departments. Moreover, the provoking factor of the pathology of the organ of hearing in each person can be different. To protect the hearing organs from ailments, you need to monitor hygiene, do prophylactic, avoid hypothermia and mechanical stress.
Ear diseases in humans are divided into the following types:
- Congenital- go by heredity or are part of a complex syndrome of developmental failure. As a rule, anomalies are associated with anatomical or physiological malformations of the outer, middle or inner ear. It will be possible to return the hearing, only due to the operation or the installation of a prosthesis. Read more about how a hearing aid works.
- Traumatic diseases- are obtained due to external influences. This includes rupture of the membrane due to loud sound exposure or careless cleaning of the ear from sulfur.
- infectious- diseases are the result of viral and infectious pathologies.
Human ear diseases can be infectious or non-infectious in origin, occur against the background of other ailments, or develop independently. In all cases, an alarm not sounded in time can result in the development of dangerous complications - complete loss of hearing and impaired motor functions of the whole organism.
Before you know what ear diseases are, consider the general symptoms of the manifestation of diseases.
The structure of the ear apparatus
Signs of ear diseases
The number of ailments that attack the organ of hearing is many, so at the first sign you should consult a doctor. Most diseases of the hearing organs have a similar clinical picture, with the following symptoms:
- the appearance of discharge from the ears;
- malaise and various headaches;
- weakness, apathy;
- noise in ears;
- nausea, vomiting;
- redness, swelling, itching;
- congestion;
- a slight increase in temperature;
- loss of balance, orientation;
- reduction or loss of auditory perception;
- tingling pain radiating to the eyes, lower jaw, or temple.
Since in otolaryngological practice, human ear diseases are not the last, and the list of pathologies is quite wide, therefore, a doctor should consider the symptoms, as well as draw up a picture of the disease.
Ear disease is studied taking into account its localization
Types of ear diseases
All of these symptoms are considered a clear sign of a malfunction in the auditory system, and indicate the presence of one of the diseases presented below.
deaf mute
The disease can be congenital and acquired (up to 3 years). In the first case, it occurs even in the womb, due to the impact on the fetus of harmful factors and viral infections.
An acquired ailment comes as a complication of other diseases or the result of the effects of certain drugs on the body. Symptoms: hearing loss and speech impairment.
Treatment of the disease is ineffective, but they carry out social rehabilitation in centers, where they teach verbal speech with the help of certain methods.
Sinusitis
The disease affects the ear, but is not its disease. Sinusitis is an infectious and inflammatory lesion of the nasal cavities. Symptoms: inflammation of the nasal mucosa, feeling of squeezing and pain in the head, noise, stuffing in the ears.
Treatment. If the virus progresses, the doctor will prescribe antibiotics and nasal drops. When the disease appeared due to allergies, then Vibrocil or Loratadin, Rhinopront are used. Along the way, the sinuses are washed with Dioxidin, Miramistin, Furacillin.
Non-steroidal drugs based on ibuprofen are used to anesthetize ear pain.
With constant nasal congestion, mucus accumulates in the ear, which provokes pain
Eustachitis
Pathology - characterized by damage to the auditory tube, leading to a decrease in ventilation of the tympanic cavity with the development of catarrhal otitis media. A painful process begins after infection.
Symptoms: auditory perception is reduced, there is pain in the ear, a feeling that there is water in it. During the movement of the head, the pain intensifies. The appearance of temperature indicates the beginning of the development of purulent otitis media.
Treatment ear diseases of this kind, complex. Antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed. Vasoconstrictor nasal drops, antihistamines are used.
mastoiditis
It is an inflammation of the mastoid process of the temporal bone of infectious origin. A purulent process occurs in the process, caused by pathogenic microbes. Symptoms diseases: there is a change in blood tests, body temperature is present, there is intoxication, hearing loss.
In addition, a throbbing pain occurs in the ear, the shell itself protrudes, swelling, redness, and suppuration appear. Treatment may be medical or with surgery.
Minier's disease
It has a negative effect on the inner ear, produces narrowing and damage to the vessels of the ear labyrinth. Violates blood circulation, leading to the accumulation of fluid in it.
Symptoms: manifested periodically, accompanied by noise, congestion, dizziness, nausea. It becomes difficult to keep balance, there is increased irritability to loud sounds.
Treatment. This ear disease in humans is incurable, to alleviate the disease, antihistamines, sedatives, diuretics are used at the discretion of the doctor. In this case, you should do mustard baths, sit on a salt-free diet, lead a proper lifestyle and avoid sunlight.
Ear pain may radiate along nerves from other areas
Acoustic neuritis
Inflammation of the vestibulocochlear nerve is classified as a neurological disease. The disease appears due to age-related changes, inflammatory processes, injuries. Symptoms neuritis - weakening of perception, the appearance of "flies" before the eyes, dull headaches, noise, dizziness.
Treatment. After the diagnosis, the doctor sends for an examination, and then, based on its results, determines drug therapy. Medicines are prescribed to dilate blood vessels and increase the blood supply to the auditory nerve.
And if you start to act at first, you can avoid hearing loss. During severe intoxication of the auditory nerve, drugs are prescribed to eliminate toxins. In case of secondary infection, biogenic stimulants and vitamins are prescribed, which are aimed at preventing the death of the auditory nerve.
Today, medicine fights against many diseases of a non-inflammatory nature with laser exposure, ultrasound, and endoscopic intervention. Sometimes radio waves are used. With such techniques, it is possible to restore hearing even to those people who have completely lost it.
Otitis
Otitis media is the most common ear disease., treatment is chosen from in which part of the auditory organ inflammation occurs. Separate external, average, internal otitis. So, the first type of the disease appears in the form of an abscess on the external auditory canal.
Symptoms. When the auditory organ is affected, pain occurs, discomfort is noticeable when the mouth is opened, there is itching and pus.
Treatment. The ear is washed with solutions of furatsilin or boric acid, antibiotics are taken, physiotherapy is performed, warming compresses are applied.
Manifestation of otitis externa
The second type of disease appears due to pathogenic microorganisms. Irritants, when they enter the middle ear, press on the Eustachian tube.
Symptoms appear according to the stages of the disease.
- At the first, hearing impairment, intense pain shooting to the head, fever are observed.
- In the second stage, suppuration begins, and the pain and temperature go away.
- At the third, the discharge stops, the perception of hearing is markedly reduced.
Treatment. Painkillers, antibiotics, vasoconstrictor drugs are used. If drug treatment does not help, pus is removed.
Labyrinthitis is otitis media, which got its name due to the fact that the process of inflammation affects the inner ear. Symptoms manifested in dizziness, the appearance of noise, loss of balance, nausea and vomiting. The color of the skin changes, there are unpleasant sensations in the region of the heart.
Treatment carried out with antibiotics and vestubulolytics.
Ear fungus or otomycosis
Otomycosis is an active foreign microflora on the membrane and walls of the passage. The provocateurs of such an ailment are mold and yeast-like fungi, their appearance begins after a violation of the natural microflora in the area of \u200b\u200bthe auditory organ.
Symptoms. At the initial stage, there is itching and congestion, a crust and a cork form, then the ear swells, discharge begins to come out, the skin becomes dry. A favorable environment for infection is created by diseases such as reduced immunity, AIDS, cancer and diabetes.
The more mucus comes out, the stronger the fungal infection proceeds, and attempts to remove it with an ear stick lead to a greater push of bacteria deep into the ear.
The treatment of the disease is difficult. After diagnosing, the doctor prescribes a method for eliminating bacteria. With medical treatment, half-alcohol compresses, anesthetics, antibiotics and drops are prescribed.
Ear fungal infection
Otosclerosis
Focal lesion of the bone capsule of the labyrinth. The disease is inherited from the female. Symptoms: dizziness, pain and congestion in the ears, hearing loss. The effect of the disease begins gradually from one ear, and after a while, hearing loss appears on the other.
Treatment disease is carried out conservatively and surgically. Moreover, in the first case, the treatment does not bring proper results, only noise reduction contributes. Comprehensive treatment includes the introduction of enzymes, massage of the eardrum, blowing the auditory tract.
If the hearing has decreased by 30-35 dB, the doctor prescribes an operation with prosthetics, after which the hearing improves. Are applied: Chymotrypsin; Lidaza; Hydrocortisone.
Otogenic sepsis
The disease begins to act when, from the middle ear, the infection spreads to the veins and sinuses of the temporal bone. It occurs more often at a young age. Symptoms sepsis manifest as shortness of breath, weakness, loss of appetite, tachycardia, chills, fever.
Treatment occurs with the help of drainage placed in the focal zone to remove infected masses. Along the way, antibiotics and antifungal emulsions are prescribed.
Sulfur plug
When there is too much sulfur, there is a clogging of the ear canal. The seal is soft at first, but hardens over time. Symptoms: feeling of congestion, autotomy, the person begins to hear poorly. If the cork touches the walls of the passage, coughing and dizziness appear.
The accumulation of sulfur is detected by otoscopy and when water enters the ear. Then it swells and obscures the entire lumen, and hearing is reduced.
Treatment. Remove the accumulation of sulfur by washing through Janet's syringe with warm water. Sometimes, to soften for two days, a 37 ° C solution of sodium bicarbonate is dripped for 10–15 minutes, after which they proceed to washing out.
Elimination of sulfur plug
hearing loss
Hearing loss is the slow deterioration of sound perception. The disease may be the result of another disease or occur against the background of vascular disorders. The symptom is constant illegibility of the speech of others.
Treatment for hearing loss depends on the stage and cause of the disease. In order to have an effect, the disease that caused the inflammatory process is first neutralized. General strengthening therapy is carried out (injections of aloe, FiBS, vitamins B1, etc.) and agents that improve blood circulation are prescribed. You can find out how to restore hearing with hearing loss.
Ear injury
The most common mechanical damage. The nature of the damage depends on the intensity and severity of the injury, since all three sections of the ear can be affected. Symptoms. When damage occurred and was hurt, nausea appears, dizziness begins.
Treatment. If the outer ear is affected, it must be treated with a disarming liquid - miramistin or chlorhexidine. The use of anti-inflammatory non-steroidal ointments is allowed.
Also, with minor cuts in the shell, lubricate the wound with iodine and apply an antiseptic bandage. In case of serious injuries with bleeding, it is necessary to put a piece of cotton wool in the ear canal and apply a sterile bandage. It is impossible to clean and wash the auditory organ.
Loud noises can damage the ear
barotrauma
There is an effect on the middle ear due to pressure drop. The symptom of barotrauma appears mainly in those who work in places of explosions, at height, in caissons. Symptoms. If a pressure drop occurs, a person feels a “blow” in the ear, and then pain. There is dizziness, noise and ringing in the organ of hearing. When there is a rupture of the membrane, blood flows.
Treatment. If there was not a strong impact, and the membrane was preserved, a lump of sterile cotton wool is placed in the passage. If the membrane is damaged, antibiotics or sulfanilamide powder are gently blown into the ear and a bandage is applied. When a strong impact has occurred, reconstructive operations are performed or a prosthesis is selected.
Results
Having considered the common ear diseases, we can conclude that the symptoms should be treated with special attention in order to eliminate the risk of infectious pathologies that have a devastating effect on the hearing organ itself and on the body as a whole.
Do not forget about prevention, which consists in careful observance of ear hygiene, the correct and timely treatment of ailments of other organs, the fight against chronic infections, turbinate hypertrophy, and hardening of the body.
The ear is the most important human organ, it is thanks to it that we can perceive the sounds of the environment. Unfortunately, like ailments of other organs, various ear diseases often develop. Symptoms and treatment of this phenomenon will be considered in the article.
Causes
People with ear problems can develop for a variety of reasons. The most common sources of disease are:
The image on the right shows an example of ear disease (photo). In humans, various pathologies of the organ of hearing develop quite often. Therefore, it is important to know how they manifest themselves and what the treatment is.
Human ear diseases: symptoms
Pain is the main clinical manifestation of the disease. Most often, pain is felt in case of inflammation of the auditory analyzer. Its intensity can be different. The pain often radiates to the eye, lower jaw, or manifests itself with swallowing and chewing movements, often a headache on the affected side.
Various manifestations of tinnitus, hearing loss, autophony (a condition in which a person hears his voice with a blocked ear) - this is how ear diseases manifest themselves in a person. Symptoms can be not only local, but also general, body temperature often rises, insomnia develops, appetite decreases.
Types of pathologies of the organ of hearing
People's ear diseases can be quite dangerous. Despite the similarity of manifestations, they are very diverse. Consider the most common human ear diseases. Treatment for each type of pathology is prescribed by a doctor after a medical examination.
deaf mute
The cause of this pathology may be congenital or acquired (up to 3 years) deafness. Congenital deafness develops in the embryonic period under the influence of harmful factors during pregnancy (viral diseases, syphilis, toxic substances, medicines, beriberi, etc.). The hereditary form, as a rule, is combined with malformations of the middle and inner ear. Acquired forms are more common and are the result of past infectious diseases, the influence of ototoxic drugs. Due to deafness, dumbness develops.
Treatment in this case is ineffective. All efforts should be directed to teaching verbal speech in specialized institutions. Modern techniques will help to achieve a good social rehabilitation.
sudden deafness
This condition is most often the result of vascular disorders (hemorrhage, thrombosis, embolism, vascular spasm) and viral infections. It occurs in conditions such as blood diseases, syphilis, diabetes, skull trauma, tumors of the auditory nerve.
In such a situation, immediate hospitalization and intravenous administration of special medications are required. Hearing restoration in this case is quite real.
Minier's disease
The disease is non-inflammatory. It is characterized by periodic bouts of dizziness, nausea or vomiting, tinnitus, imbalance, decreased hearing in one ear, increased irritability from loud sounds. Pathology develops due to diseases of individual systems and organs (allergic conditions, hypertension, hypotension, atherosclerosis, vegetative dystonia, hormonal disorders, menopause, various toxicoses, nicotine abuse). The disease manifests itself as a sharp disorder of the vestibular function. the condition returns to normal after the attack ends, but hearing loss and tinnitus persist and gradually progress. With the disease, as a rule, one ear is affected.
Treatment consists of bed rest, a salt-free diet, and mustard foot baths. In order to stop an acute attack, Syabro platifillin hydrotartrate powder is used. To prevent vomiting, drugs "Aminazin", "Ephedrine", "Dimedrol" are administered intravenously. Between attacks, electrophoresis, 5% calcium chloride solution, special physical exercises, acupuncture are prescribed. It is forbidden to take alcohol, smoke, be in the sun, swim in deep water. In the hospital, surgical methods are combined with ultrasound and cryotherapy.
Diffuse and limited external otitis - diseases of the outer ear of a person
The furuncle of the external auditory canal is limited. It develops exclusively on the membranous-cartilaginous area, where there are sebaceous glands and hair. Severe pain that radiates to the teeth, eyes, neck - this is how this ear disease manifests itself in people. Treatment of the disease at the initial stage consists in the use of antibacterial drugs: "Penicillin", "Oxacillin", "Ampioks". For introduction into the ear canal, a turunda is used, which is impregnated with 2% After the boil is opened, a turunda is introduced, previously soaked in a solution of penicillin in novocaine. Prescribe drugs "Analgin", "Acetylsalicylic acid". Surgical treatment is rarely used.
One type of diffuse purulent otitis media is otomycosis. With this disease, various types of yeast and mold fungi develop on the walls of the external auditory canal. The reason for this phenomenon is prolonged hydration, previous purulent otitis media, uncontrolled use of hormonal agents and antibiotics. Inflammation of the skin, pain, itching, moderate discharge of yellow, gray-green, dirty black, depending on the type of fungus - this is how this ear disease manifests itself in people.
It consists in a thorough toilet of the ear, washing with a 3% solution of boric acid, rinsing with antifungal agents ("Kanesten", "Nitrofungin"), 10% solution of silver nitrate. Therapy of the disease is quite long, complications often develop.
A variety of otomycosis is caused by its yeast-like fungus of the genus Candida. The disease develops most often due to prolonged use of antibiotics. For the treatment of such a disease, antifungal antibiotics (Levorin, Nystatin, Nizoral, Griseofulvin) are used orally, and a 0.1% alcohol solution of Quinozol is applied topically.
Otitis media
Otitis media (inflammation of the middle ear) often develops. The first stage of the disease is characterized by pain inside the ear, it can be pulsating, shooting, boring. The body temperature rises sharply (above 38 ° C). After some time, perforation (breakthrough) of the eardrum occurs and pus flows out. Body temperature returns to normal. A frequent complication of acute otitis media is mastoiditis. With such a disease, the mastoid process of the temporal bone becomes inflamed, in its thickness there are air cells that communicate with the middle ear cavity. With this pathology, the development of a purulent process is observed in the cells of the process, which can provoke the occurrence of intracranial complications (meningitis), since the sinuses and membranes of the brain are located anatomically close. Pressing on the appendix causes pain.
Mastoiditis can provoke the occurrence of meningitis, paralysis of the facial nerve, purulent streaks in the neck, abscesses in the behind the ear.
Therapeutic measures are to ensure the outflow of pus from the middle ear cavity and the fight against purulent infection and inflammation. Surgical intervention is necessary in the presence of complications and ineffectiveness of conservative treatment. During the operation, an incision is made in the behind-the-ear region and the mastoid process is opened.
otitis media
Internal otitis media is labyrinthitis. Such an inflammatory process can have an acute or chronic course. The infection can enter the inner ear in various ways. With purulent inflammation - through the middle ear, with meningitis - through the meninges, with various kinds of infections - through the blood. The following symptoms are characteristic of such an ailment: dizziness, nausea, imbalance, nystagmus (a condition in which the eyeball moves to the side).
When the first symptoms appear, urgent hospitalization is required. Depending on the form of the disease, therapy can be both conservative and surgical.
Antibiotics (Amoxiclav, Ceftriaxone) and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Indomethacin, Diclofenac) are used for treatment.
This article has described common human ear diseases (symptoms, causes, principles of treatment). To prevent diseases of the organ of hearing, it is very important to observe hygiene and timely treat diseases of other organs that are near the ear (pharynx, paranasal sinuses). If people still have ear diseases, you should not self-medicate - this can lead to serious consequences.
The ear is one of the most important human organs. In principle, ear diseases develop quite often, but they are not always taken seriously. Improper diagnosis can lead to the development of complications and pathologies of the hearing organs.
Cause of illness
ENT organs include: ear, nose, larynx. An organ such as the ear consists of three sections:
- Auricle;
- Eardrum;
- Inner ear.
Ear problems can develop in humans for a variety of reasons. The main sources of ear disease are:
A variety of pathologies of ENT organs in people develop quite often. Therefore, it is necessary to know exactly how ear diseases proceed, their symptoms.
ear canal disease
Diseases of the ENT organs in humans are quite common. Among the ailments of the hearing organs are distinguished:
- traumatic;
- fungal;
- Non-inflammatory;
- Inflammatory.
To prevent the development of ear disease, a variety of complications, at the first signs of discomfort, you should contact an ENT doctor.
Non-inflammatory disease process
A fairly common human ailment is a disease of the hearing organs without inflammation. Accompanied by certain signs and negative sensations. The most common diseases are as follows:
Treatment of the disease without inflammation successfully produces:
- Ultrasound;
- laser method;
- endoscopy;
- Exposure to radio waves.
Modern medicine helps even those patients who have lost their hearing during illness.
Inflammatory process
Inflammatory processes are one of the most common causes of malaise in both adults and children. Transferred viral ailments, various kinds of infections, this is the root cause of sore ears in adults and children. Otitis media is one of the most common inflammatory diseases in humans. It is an inflammation of the middle ear. A feature of the disease - inflammation can spread to the outer and inner ear. There are the following types of otitis media:
- Outer;
- Average;
- Interior.
Otitis externa
Otitis externa is not a dangerous disease. Since there are no prerequisites for hearing loss, although the symptoms are very painful. This kind of otitis media manifests itself in the form of a boil on the external auditory canal. Causes of the disease:
- Injuries. Shocks can be of various kinds, ranging from a blow to a banal rasschivanie ear. Violation of the skin - an open path to the ingress of bacteria;
- Cold;
- Aggressive chemicals;
- Humidity of the ear canal;
- Decreased immune system;
- Chronic ailments of the body.
It is not difficult to understand that the ear is affected by otitis externa, since the symptoms of the disease are pronounced. Main symptoms:
- There are pain during pressing, pulling the ear;
- Pain is felt at the moment of opening the oral cavity;
- There is itching and ear pain;
- Purulent discharge.
Treatment of external otitis is aimed at eliminating the inflammatory process.
Otitis externa is treated on an outpatient basis using various methods. Treatment methods:
- cleaning;
- Laying tampons with ointments;
- instillation;
- Washing;
- UHF therapy.
Otitis externa resolves without a trace with minimal medical intervention. As a rule, inflammation and pain disappear within two weeks. But sometimes attempts to cure the disease on their own end in complications, the elimination of which takes months.
Otitis media
Otitis media occurs in people of all age groups. Reasons for the appearance:
- Bacteria, fungi, viruses;
- Viral diseases.
Symptoms depend on the stage of the course:
- Stage 1 - the ear hurts a lot, a rise in body temperature, possibly hearing loss;
- Stage 2 - purulent discharge, pain sensations are significantly reduced, the temperature drops;
- Stage 3 - purulent discharge stops, there is a clear hearing loss.
Since everyone is susceptible to this disease, special attention must be paid to newborns. The child may not respond to symptoms until the purulent discharge disappears. As a rule, the child shows anxiety in the form of poor sleep, head turning (frequent), may rub the sore ear, eat poorly.
The main thing is not to miss such moments and turn to a specialist in a timely manner.
otitis media
The name comes from the location of the focus of the disease. Symptoms:
- Dizziness;
- violation of coordination;
When the first signs of an inflammatory disease appear, self-medication is strictly prohibited. Patients need to contact a specialist (otolaryngologist), who will correctly diagnose and prescribe a course of treatment.
There are many diseases of the ears, they are divided into congenital, acquired, chronic, acute, inflamed. The ear is a complex auditory organ that, in the presence of any disease, requires immediate medical attention. If treatment is postponed until later, there is a risk of complications. The most common ear diseases are inflammation in the middle or outer ear and sensorineural hearing loss.
Among the main causes of ear disease are:
- Weakening of the immune system and the development of pathogens. This can cause inflammation.
- Inflammatory processes of the larynx, pharynx, nose, oral cavity. That is, in those organs that are in close connection with the ear.
- Injuries received mechanically, acoustically or barotrauma. They can rupture the eardrum.
- Innate.
- Tumors that put pressure on the ear, nerve endings and trunks.
In addition, the reasons include: poor blood circulation of the brain or its injury. Hearing loss is affected by the following ear diseases:
- Meniere. There is a lesion of the inner ear, in the future this disease reduces hearing, causes dizziness, nausea.
- Neuritis of the vestibulocochlear nerve. Subsequently, hearing loss develops or a person may lose hearing altogether.
- Otosclerosis. It is inherited. It is characterized by the fact that a bone grows in the middle ear. This pathology contributes to hearing loss, it is also possible to lose hearing completely.
If a baby has been diagnosed with hearing loss, then this may be due to: rubella, measles, mumps, which the mother suffered during pregnancy. Also, hearing is affected by malfunctions in the thyroid gland and some antibiotics with a long course.
The structure of the human ear Symptoms
Ear infections show the following symptoms:
- Various discharges from the ears.
- Slight swelling, redness, pain and itching.
- Noise in ears.
- Autophony.
- Slight disturbances in orientation or balance.
- Deafness.
There may be a slight fever, headaches, or malaise. In children, ear diseases can cause acute pain, poor sleep, prolonged crying, and poor appetite.
The most common symptom of ear disease is pain, which can be tingling or severe. Usually, it gives to the area of \u200b\u200bthe eyes, lower jaw or temple. At the time of walking, swallowing or chewing, the pain may become stronger.
Inflammatory diseases
More often, patients with inflammatory diseases, namely, infections of the outer and middle ear, turn to the doctor. Otitis is an inflammation in the ear, which is formed due to the presence of hemolytic streptococcus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and other bacteria that contribute to the appearance of tuberculosis of the ears.
Most often, otitis media is a complication of the inflammatory process in other organs, namely when the virus enters the ear with blood flow. Otitis of this origin is considered secondary, but it can also be primary. Basically, the formation of this disease affects people whose ears have previously been subjected to microtrauma or they have a decrease in immunity. It also contributes to poor oral hygiene.
Acute pain is most often characterized. The disease occurs in many patients, but it mostly affects children. This statistic is explained by the fact that the auditory tubes are not fully developed in the child's body, they are somewhat shorter and slightly wider. This physiology allows various respiratory infections to quickly seep from the nasopharynx into the auditory tube.
It is worth noting that improper treatment or its long absence will necessarily lead to otitis media of the chronic stage, and a slight hearing loss is also quite possible.
Otitis externa is also considered a common disease, it is divided into two types:
- Limited. A furuncle is formed in the external auditory canal. This inflammation is caused by Staphylococcus aureus. The patient is worried about pain, which becomes stronger at the time of chewing.
- diffuse. Such otitis is formed due to streptococcal infections that affect the entire ear canal. In the presence of diffuse otitis media, patients complain of pain, swelling, discharge, both external and internal.
In addition, otitis externa may be the result of an allergic reaction or inflammation, which was formed due to water entering the ear. If you have complaints of severe itching, then you most likely have a fungal ear disease, which is also caused by a virus.
Complications
If you start treatment and do not pay attention to ear diseases, then there is a high risk of developing otitis media, which affects the peripheral vestibular apparatus, in the future this will be the main cause of complete hearing loss. Another name for the disease is labyrinthitis. In the presence of otitis media, there are several symptoms:
- The head is spinning.
- Vomit.
- Nausea.
- Balance disturbances.
- Discharges of a purulent nature.
In addition, an inflammatory disease that is not cured in time can develop into meningitis or acute mastoiditis. If you notice any of these symptoms, then do not try to cure the disease yourself, but immediately seek medical help.
fungal diseases
Basically, fungal infections () begin to affect the outer or middle ear. Mold and yeast-like fungi are considered provocateurs of this disease, their development can begin with damage to the skin in the ear canal, which occurred during trauma or as a result of surgical intervention.
Similar ear diseases have several signs: a feeling of stuffy ear, severe itching. If timely treatment is not started, then the patient will begin to be disturbed by severe pain in the ears and head, discharge, the color of which entirely depends on the type of fungus.
With a complication, there is a high risk of a plug in the ear canal. Diseases of this kind require urgent and proper treatment.
Treatment
To establish the correct diagnosis, the doctor may prescribe several examinations, including:
- Otoscopy.
- Otomicroscopy.
- Audiometry.
- CT scan.
- X-ray.
- Diagnosis of the patency of the auditory tubes.
Treatment of ear diseases may be limited to medication, and surgery is also possible. After diagnosing the disease, the doctor chooses a method of treatment, in the case of a medical method, the patient will be prescribed anesthetics, antibiotics or special ear drops. Also, some are prescribed half-alcohol compresses, which should be applied to the outer part of the ear canal, various washes or tampons with pharmaceutical preparations.
If the ear diseases are neglected, and the doctor is sure that the medical treatment is ineffective, the patient will be prescribed surgery.